Three months...and the journey continues...

Last March 3rd, on my 62nd birthday, Mother passed away.
It has been 3 months and I still miss her so much.

Everywhere I go...I am "with her" and she is "with me."

Mom was so much a part of my life,
and in retirement...a weekly friend who would join me for teas, lunches, shopping and coffee. We shared books, laughter and love.

My daily walks, which were curtailed upon her demise.
Load of work to do on the estate, but mostly because
I passed by her condo on my walking route
and I felt so sad walking by...

Most days, before Mom died, I would stop in for tea and a chat after my walk.
so naturally,
walking past was just too emotional for me.

Many times I would start to walk only to turn around and return home.
Then I took to driving to other areas of town for my walk but this felt too weird and why drive the car and use the gas?

Three months in...
the bulk of the estate has been seen to...
mom's condo has sold and her personal things have been dispersed among the family and those not wanted, were donated.

It has been a big challenge and I have dug deep for strength.
With support from my husband and friends... I am grateful.

I returned to Yoga
to increase my flexibility and for stress relief...
The deep breathing and calming poses help.

I have gained a few pounds.

Recently a call came in from Hospice offering me some counselling...

I cried while I was on the phone and said 

"Thank you,  I am OK"

I have been eating "comfort food"

too many salty crunchy chips!

(my weakness)

They call it comfort food for a reason!

I gave myself a stern lecture.

It is time to get back on track.

The roses are blooming, the sun is shining and my walking route awaits...

Mom would not want me to be sad.

So I have been walking along my favourite route and am looking at the building where she lived and remembering...

with a few tears mixed in with the salt air and sunshine.

Behind my sunglasses no one can see them.

 My week is ticking along...

watching the scale slowly reflecting the results of my efforts.

Pepper is looking longingly out at the birds.

She would leap out the window and try and catch one of the birds if she only could...

Lunch after my walk.

Tea with a 2 egg omelette and a small salad.

The daily 5km walks are not quite happening yet

4kms each day is my current goal...

The roses blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden 

are helping to brighten up my days. 

It is going to take me some time to get totally "back on track"

to my desired weight.

In the meantime we plod along and try to make the best of things.

Grief is not predictable.

Frankly it frequently startles and surprises me.

Thank you for stopping by...

Hostess

The bathing suit...

I recognized a lovely young woman pushing her child in a stroller at our local Marshall's store in the mall.
Smiling, vibrant and gorgeous...her name is Leah.

We see each other frequently on Oak Bay Avenue...
she is a fabulous teacher that I worked with at a local Middle School and I think that I can safely say that she is "adorable"...the daughter of an acquaintance.

Leah is one of those energetic and enthusiastic teachers that can inspire and engage students...these are the teachers that we love for so many reasons.
Young and impressionable students' minds need more teachers like Leah.

We exchanged news...
I told her that we were investing in a quarter share of a waterfront cottage on Pender Island. The resort has two pools, a children's play area and there is a marina for our boat.

We are hoping to get the children and grand children over to the cottage for the 2 week summer holidays and we will use it in the off season on our week each month.
Leah mentioned how much she appreciated having a cottage for their family holidays when she was growing up and now that she has two children of her own they are spending time with her parents at the cottage...
making many happy memories.

Leah asked if I had any luck finding anything in the store.
I did!
and I proceeded to swing a garment in my hands high over my head and said with a smile on my face that I had found a swimsuit!

Swimsuit shopping is quite an event...and when it is successful its a win win!

In my experience swimsuit shopping has never been easy...
one needs to try on quite a few to find the best option.

This is the first suit in more than a decade that has not been black. 

I have 2 suits in patterns of black and white...both have seen "better days."

~ Maxine of Hollywood ~

(sounds rather glamorous)

I have never seen this brand of swimwear.

Understandable as there has been a drought of swimwear shopping...

do not even bother to ask why!

How telling...

Obviously other shoppers have similar thoughts

otherwise why would they print a label that speaks to so many of us?

It must be a challenge for the designers of swim wear.

The suits need to fit, cover the "wobbly bits" and make us feel comfortable while wearing them.

I'll be dipping my toes in this pool soon.

I love swimming laps and I find it very relaxing.

It feels so good to tick a big item off the "to do list"

The swimsuit was my least favourite on my list, 

but fortunately it was not that daunting after all.

Summer is just around the corner and I am gathering up some summer reads.

I am almost finished The Madwoman Upstairs and it is an interesting story.

What is on your summer reading list?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

XO

Content (at last) with my grey hair...

My hair...has been an ongoing battle issue over the years.
It is thick, wavy...
many would say it is curly,
and it most certainly has a mind of its own.

I value my hairdresser as much as I do our family physician.
They both are very important people in my life, and both give me great advice.

Mother used to say that a woman's crowning glory was her hair. When we were children she cut our hair and we wore it in a short bobbed style that was popular with straight short bangs or "fringes" as they are called today.

Mother once gave me a Twiggy hair cut after I begged to go to the hairdresser for a professional one...just for the record I HAD to go to the hairdresser to have Mom's snippy mess "fixed"...
the hairdresser said "I can do little with this now but it will grow"...
(it took ages and I avoided looking in mirrors for months!)

Mom would collect rainwater to rinse her hair and once a month would give herself an oil treatment...
this involved olive oil, a plastic bag and a towel.
She spent an entire day "at home" during this procedure.

Mom's hairstyles metamorphosed over the years...
my sister and I observed many changes.

Mom had perms for a few years,
she also gave my sister and I "Tonette perms"
usually around Easter for the Sunday service at church.

Mom dyed her hair blonde for a year and we referred to this as her "Doris Day" phase...
later she sprayed a silver streak in the front...this was her "Virginia Graham" phase.

Mom loved fashion, style and was never one to be stuck in a rut...
she moved with the times and had fun...plus she had a great sense of humour.

The "signature hairstyle" that so many women adopt has always eluded me.

Hair has been a source of frustration over the years
flipping and flopping and changing my mind...
cutting it,
growing it,
colouring it.

Now that I have salt and pepper hair, it feels simple and easy ~ to just be natural.

My hair is cropped quite short, it is almost a pixie cut.
I wash it in the shower and towel dry it before I spritz it with curl enhancing spray and then let it air dry.

It feels good to accept things and be content.

Wishing for something illusive is really frustrating
 a complete waste of time and energy.

The style of my hair does not define me, nor take up too much  angst  space in my mind.
I have finally just let it go...

Salt and Pepper

like the highlights I formerly paid for and now they are free!

Mother had lovely silver hair and I expect it may be several years before I get to that all over shade but in the meantime I am embracing this "new natural phase."

I am curious...

Are you happy with your hair?

Have you found your signature style?

Do you colour your hair or have you let it go natural?

Summer reading has commenced... 

I've a long list of books and plan to buy a few more in the coming weeks.

I finished this book recently and wept at the end...

it is worth reading and I would ask you to please read the author's personals note at the end of the book.

What is on your summer reading list?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow.

XO

Glorious colours in Humble Bungalow Garden

Orange poppies

with

paper thin petals

waving in the breeze.

Pure white lilacs against a clear blue sky.

Weigela 

a foamy pink and white flowering bush

below lies the stalwart pink ground cover "pride of London"

and below that the hardy Lady's Mantle which when in bloom is chartreuse green.

(succulents to the left in a planter)

The weaving path is lined with 

Creamy Smilacena racemosa

Hostas

Pinky Pride of London

Ferns

Purple Alliums

The pink Madame Gregoire Staechelin roses have started blooming...

The climbing Royal Sunset Rose has a few blooms.

You may see those small dots of orange colour at the top of the lattice.

This vigorous rose has the most amazing fragrance and is a reliable supply of cut roses throughout the season.

There are 4 new white David Austin Roses below just getting established...

we planted the boxwood to line the edge of the bed.

I am very eager to see them bloom.

Our red chairs look so tempting

but they will have to wait as

there is a lot of work to do in the Humble Bungalow Garden.

I have yet to open this book which is a recent purchase.

It was recommended on several of the blogs that I regularly read.

The community of dedicated bloggers that I follow

share loads of information with their readers.

They are most 

Kind

 generous

and giving.

I have been able to read and discover...

their favourite books

recipes

make up and skincare products

fashion

packing tips

travel pictures

cleaning tips

candles

style

home decor

crafts

Thankfully there are many many wonderful blogs...

do you have any that you love and care to share with our readers?

Thank you for taking the time to stop by mine.

XO

Cruising recap...The Long Weekend in May

The long weekend weather was given a favourable forecast so we took to the sea.

Snug and Cozy tied up at a little marina at Genoa Bay.

Mother's Day flowers made the trip.

Tasty Lime Margaritas on the deck of the cafe.

Floral lined lanes nearby made for some spectacular walks.

The bees were busy working in the hot sunshine.

Dinner plate sized tree peonies were in full bloom.

It was lovely to get away and relax in the peace and quiet.

Healthy meals, a comfy bunk, friends nearby, a good book.

Simple luxuries while aboard our small boat.

Feeling grateful and thankful as I write this post...

reflecting on all the good things in life.

I have some garden photos to share with you soon.

Until next time...

XO

Bringing France Home...My Stylish French Box

It has been 2 years since I travelled to Paris and the SW of France...
my love for the French countryside and the sights and sounds are still very vivid.

For the time being, I incorporate as many French habits and French products into my daily routines.

French Soaps, candles, hand lotion, recipes, and books set in France and Paris keep the memories alive and I feel content.

Do you follow Sharon Santoni's blog My French Country Home?

Sharon is a busy lady...
besides keeping a lovely home and garden she has written a lovely book My Stylish French Girlfriends and another book will be available in August...
My French Country Home.
I love her first book and have preordered her second...

BUT this is not all that Sharon does...
she has created the sumptuous My Stylish French Box...

I splurged and subscribed...these French themed boxes arrive every few months and are filled with wonderful French gifts. Each box is wrapped in ribbon and the contents are carefully curated and packed with care.

The May box has a rose theme...

I unwrapped these items and took a photo...

a vintage spool with new blush pink velvet ribbon and a pair of scissors

soap

hand lotion and balm

a rose diffuser

slate tiles to use as labels for roses or cheeses 

(or whatever you desire)

a hand made linen tote with a rose print on the front

perfect for shopping

I particularly like the hand "gelee" and I am keeping it handy beside the kitchen sink.

I look forward to trying the balm.

It's so nice to have a box delivered from France that is full of surprises.

 I love how these special delivery boxes transport me back to the French country.

I remember those poppy filled fields near Auvillar

and the roses that clung to the stone buildings.

One day I hope to visit the lush lavender fields of Provence...

but until then I'll dream 

and look forward to another one of Sharon's gift boxes.

BTW all opinions are mine...

I have received no benefits from this post other than to be happy with the contents of the box that I fully paid for!

Most of the readers here are polite and some are rather discourteous and rude...

So there you have it...

I must be

disgraceful

with no ethics

alas

this humble hostess is honest.

I am not ashamed...

The Humble Bungalow Garden is filled 

with the scent of lilacs and muguet des bois.

Our garden roses have started blooming...

and if you did not already know, roses are my favourite flower.

Hope that you are having a great week.

XO

More OOTD...shopping and polish

I have been living in Yoga wear lately as I am going to Yoga 3-4 days a week. It seems silly for me to change clothes when I get home just to action domestic chores, read and prepare dinner. Besides, my Yoga pants are comfy and the tops I wear are Tees topped with a grey cashmere sweater...one that Mother owned...
and the cats do not complain!

My mid section has expanded and I am finding the zippers on my pants do not lay flat anymore and that bugs me so I purchased a pair of Ralph Lauren pull on jeans that are a slimming and flat at the waist...very comfy.
I hope to whittle down my midsection a bit given time...
but I am taking "baby steps"
giving myself permission to lose slowly to avoid added stress.

The top seen below is navy and white stripes with a white under layer showing through...it fits loose but not baggy so it should be cool in the summer.
I can wear this with my white NYDJ jeans too.

This bright and cheerful Columbia raincoat apparently "breathes" 

Do you see how the colour caught my eye?

(its not black!)

This happened innocently 

while I was looking for new deck shoes to wear on the boat. 

The jacket was marked down almost by half and it fits and flatters so I bought it. 

It will be great for walks and with the boating season almost upon us I could not resist.

I own several pieces of Columbia gear for walking and cruising.

I appreciate the quality of these garments.

Whats not to like about active wear with a bit of style?

Here are the deck shoes...also by Columbia.

Not on sale but oh so comfy and I needed them...

somehow last season my deck shoes were lost

I rarely lose things and when I do it drives me a wee bit crazy trying to figure out what happened...

it is a mystery and one that I cannot waste any more time thinking 

obsessing about!

Lisa at a mid life of privilege showed us her freshly painted toes today.

and I got to thinking that I should have a pedicure.

Most of the women at the Yoga studio have their toes painted and I usually indulge in a pedicure from May to September during sandal season.

It is too late to get an appointment at the Spa this afternoon but not to late to try my hand at an at home pedicure. 

The main reason that I get pedicures is because I am not that flexible and my eyesight is dodgy...

well I surprised myself 

Yoga must be helping me with flexibility as I did not find it at all difficult bending over and applying the polish.

I am quite pleased with the results

 not as professional as I would get from the Spa but they are OK.

So Lisa, I must thank you for sharing your toes...

I used Formula X "Thrilling" 

The next time I am in the "downward dog" position I'll enjoy looking at my toes!

It is a long weekend here in BC and we have the Victoria Day parade this Sunday.

I'll be taking a few days off and will catch up with you all next week.
Hope you have a great weekend.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

XO

Skincare and make up Hostess Style ~ in response to a reader

One of the many things that I enjoy about blogging
is receiving private emails from readers.

Once in awhile, a question is posed or a specific request slips into the mail.
Often that prompts or inspires me to write a blog post.

This past weekend I was asked my opinion and recommendations on "green" skincare products. This is an area that I cannot address without a significant amount of time and research...so I will leave that to those who are much more qualified.

I bow to the experts at The Environmental Working Group.

This site is user friendly and one can look up many of the products currently on the market and read about the pros and cons of the ingredients.

If you are interested in what I have discovered that works for me
I am happy to share...keep reading.

My skin is mature, sensitive and I have rosacea.

I have discovered that skin is a reflection of genetics and general health.
Our skin says much about our lifestyle and what we eat.

Cosmetics can augment and enhance beautiful skin,
or they can cover up a problematic complexion.

I indulged in a professional Hydra Facial at the Spa and it was amazing...
a specialized machine was used to cleanse my skin,
a gentle peel was applied that unclogged pores,
emollient serums followed and when the facial was finished
my skin felt soft, supple and it glowed.
I plan to go back for another facial in a few months...
perhaps after the summer season.

Hostess Skin care Tips...

Start by choosing fresh fruits and vegetables,
drinking lots of water and eating small portions of protein.
Exercise (for me that means walking and also practising Yoga),
Aim for 8 hours of sleep
Reduce stress as much as possible
Wear sunscreen and or avoid the sun altogether.
Embrace joy and beauty everyday
Adopt the attitude of gratitude and give thanks...
Smile!

For things that you can buy pop into your local pharmacy
or the beauty counter in your department store.

I opt for a mix of high and low priced potions.

For those that do no "stay on the skin" I use a less expensive but a quality line...
there are many good ones out there you just need to experiment to see which ones work for your skin type.

My skin is prone to rosacea so I need to treat it kindly...

Gentle Avene products work for me.

Anti redness cleansing milk and mask are two in my skincare arsenal.

I avoid hot water.

The more expensive Spa line by Methode Physiodermie...

for the products that stay on and those that need to perform. 

I love the Bio-Gommage 

which exfoliates efficiently with a minimum of irritation.

I use it once a week.

My skin gets slightly pink but it doesn't stay that way for long.

The anti redness emulsion I use sparingly each morning

 followed by the Emulsion for Sensitive Skin.

Then I wait a few minutes before applying my make up.

Make up is light and takes 5 minutes.

5 products for daytime = 5 minutes

Mineral make up

Eye brow tint

eye shadow

mascara

Lipstick

SPF 20 mineral make up

use with a light hand or for more coverage it can be built up

used with a big brush it is easy to apply.

Amethyst eye shadow by La Bella Donna

an everyday colour for my hazel coloured eyes.

For evening

I simply add blush and eye liner for a bit more of a dramatic effect

and apply a darker shade of lipstick.

I have posted before about skincare and make up...

to read previous posts please scroll down on the right hand side bar to the "labels section"

click on the titles "skincare" and "make up"

I love the following quote...

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years. 

~ Audrey Hepburn ~

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

Hostess

XO